FRIENDS WAY (Families Reaching Into Each New Day) is the only family bereavement center in Rhode Island, serving families throughout Southeastern New England. Staffed with highly qualified mental health care professionals and extensively trained community volunteers, we provide peer support to children and their families in a safe and nurturing environment. Our services are free to all families, with 100% of our program funded through fundraising activities and community support.

We work closely with hospitals, schools, funeral homes, mental health agencies, pediatricians and individuals serving children and families in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. We also conduct volunteer training sessions to ensure the safety and quality care for the children and the families we serve.

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We give back to the community through the provision of training programs, community outreach and crisis intervention outreach for grieving families. We also offer referrals that can provide the appropriate level of care. Conducting more than 150 presentations and in-service training workshops about guiding children through their loss and grief, we have become a proven resource for Rhode Island agencies that seek bereavement services for their community members. More . . .

Volunteer!

FRIENDS WAY began in 1998 with founder Jennifer Kaplan Schreiber. Since then, it has become a valuable community asset, providing bereavement support during area tragedies, with continued demand for services.

In July 2013, through our affiliation with Gateway Healthcare, FRIENDS WAY became a proud partner of Lifespan, and continues to be a nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization.

Volunteers are the heart of FRIENDS WAY and the families are its soul. Approximately 15 volunteers per group are needed to ensure the best quality of care for our families. We invite individuals who are caring, sensitive and committed to explore volunteer opportunities at FRIENDS WAY. ​Read more . . .